Spectrometer

ABSTRACT

A spectrometer is provided. In one implementation, for example, a spectrometer comprises an excitation source, a focusing lens, a movable mirror, and an actuator assembly. The focusing lens is adapted to focus an incident beam from the excitation source. The actuator assembly is adapted to control the movable mirror to move a focused incident beam across a surface of the sample.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/221,899 entitled “Spectrometer” and filed by Mark Watson etal. on Aug. 31, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety as if fully set forth herein.

This application also claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 61/378,383 filed on Aug. 30, 2010 filed by Carron; U.S.provisional patent application No. 61/418,540 filed on Dec. 1, 2010 byCarron; and U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/450,123 filed onMar. 7, 2011 by Carron et al. Each of the provisional applications arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully setforth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

The instant invention relates to a spectrometer. In particular, theinstant invention relates to a spectrometer configured to move a focusedincident beam across a sample.

b. Background

A spectrometer (e.g., a Raman or luminescence (e.g., fluorescence,phosphorescence, chemiluminescence) spectrometer) is provided thatprovides a relatively large spectral area while maintaining a reasonablespectral resolution. Although particular types of spectrometers aredescribed below (e.g., Raman and fluorescent), these are merely examplesof spectrometers that may be used in a similar manner to move a focusedbeam across a sample to provide a larger sampling area while maintainingspectral resolution of the spectrometer

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one implementation, a spectrometer is provided comprising anexcitation source for providing an excitation signal, a detector fordetecting a spectroscopy signal and an optical system for directing anincident beam of the excitation signal toward a sample, receiving thespectroscopy signal from the sample, and providing the spectroscopysignal to the detector. The optical system comprises: a focusing lensfor focusing the incident beam from the excitation source; a rotatingmirror assembly including an angled mirror face surface; and an actuatorassembly for controlling the rotating mirror assembly to move a focusedincident beam across a surface of the sample, wherein the actuatorassembly comprises a rotary motor coupled to the rotating mirrorassembly and adapted to rotate the angled mirror face to redirect anincident beam of the excitation signal.

In another implementation, a method of moving a focused incident beam ofa spectrometer across a surface of a spectroscopic sample is provided.In this implementation, the method comprises: generating an incidentbeam of an excitation signal; directing the incident beam towards thesample via an optical system of the spectrometer, the optical systemcomprising a moveable mirror; focusing the incident beam on a sample ofthe spectrometer; moving the incident beam across a surface of thesample by rotating a rotating mirror assembly coupled to a drive shaftof a rotary motor by rotating the drive shaft; receiving a spectroscopicsignal from the sample; and detecting the spectroscopic signal.

In one implementation, a spectrometer comprising a magnetic positioningsystem is provided. In this implementation, the spectrometer comprises:an excitation source for providing an excitation signal; a detector fordetecting a spectroscopy signal; an optical system for directing anincident beam of the excitation signal toward a sample, receiving thespectroscopy signal from the sample, and providing the spectroscopysignal to the detector and a magnetic positioning system. The opticalsystem comprises: a focusing lens for focusing the incident beam fromthe excitation source; a moveable mirror; and an actuator assembly forcontrolling the moveable mirror to move a focused incident beam across asurface of the sample. The magnetic positioning system comprises amagnet and a second element adapted to magnetically couple to themagnet. The magnetic positioning system is configured to position themoveable mirror in a predetermined position by magnetically coupling atleast one magnet to a second element. One of the magnet and the secondelement is physically coupled to the actuator assembly and the other oneof the magnet and the second element is fixed to the spectrometeradjacent to the actuator assembly.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, andadvantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading thefollowing description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a spectrometer configured to movea focused beam across a surface of a target.

FIG. 2 shows an example implementation of an actuator assembly formoving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of a sample.

FIG. 3 shows another example implementation of an actuator assembly formoving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of a sample.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show yet another example implementation of an actuatorassembly for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surfaceof a sample.

FIG. 6 shows yet another example implementation of an actuator assemblyfor moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of asample.

FIG. 7 shows another example implementation of an actuator assembly formoving an incident beam across a surface of a sample.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show other example implementations of actuatorassemblies for moving an incident beam across a surface of a sample.

FIG. 8 shows yet another example implementation of an actuator assemblyfor moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of asample.

FIG. 9 shows another example implementation of an actuator assembly formoving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of a sample.

FIG. 10 shows yet another example implementation of an actuator assembly200 for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of asample.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show waveforms of example motor drive waveforms that maybe used to control the motors of the implementations shown in FIGS. 2-5and 10.

FIG. 13 shows example focal areas for a spectrometer.

FIG. 14 shows an example implementation to detect a fiber authenticationtag.

FIG. 15 shows an example spectrum and first derivative of the spectrumfor a fiber authentication tag.

FIG. 16 shows an example implementation to detect a fiber authenticationtag.

FIG. 17 shows example spectra detected with a single point focusmeasurement and a raster measurement.

FIG. 18 shows an example illustration of averaging using a rastermeasurement.

FIG. 19 shows an example illustration of single point and rastermeasurements for an inhomogeneous sample.

FIG. 20 shows an example illustration of removing a large variation in ameasurement signal due to sample inhomogeneity.

FIG. 21 shows an example illustration of observed signals on a rasterscan of a sample surface as the sample is diluted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A spectrometer (e.g., a Raman or luminescence (e.g., fluorescence,phosphorescence, chemiluminescence) spectrometer) is provided thatprovides a relatively large spectral area while maintaining a reasonablespectral resolution. Although particular types of spectrometers aredescribed below (e.g., Raman and fluorescent), these are merely examplesof spectrometers that may be used in a similar manner to move a focusedbeam across a sample to provide a larger sampling area while maintainingspectral resolution of the spectrometer.

In one implementation, for example, a relatively low-cost, handheldRaman (or other) spectrometer is provided that provides rapidauthentication (e.g., a point-and-shoot method requiring <10 sec) ofSERS-active targets (e.g., fibers). The spectrometer, for example, canuse a programmable, on-board taggant matching capability. In variousimplementations, this instrument can be used for contact detectionand/or standoff detection of SERS-active materials (e.g., textilesubstrates from a distance of, for example, 0-2 meters).

In another implementation, a fluorescence (or other) spectrometerrasters (or otherwise moves) a focused beam across a surface of a taggedtarget. In one variation, for example, the spectrometer averages thesignals received from the sample. As described in the attached appendix,the averaged signals received from an excitation beam rastered across asample can be used to detect a concentration of a tag or otherdetectable element dispersed within a heterogeneous sample. Thus, if aconcentration of a sample (e.g., a tagged paint) is known, an averagedspectrometer signal can be used to detect if the sample has been dilutedfrom the known concentration.

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a spectrometer 20 configured tomove a focused beam across a surface of a target. Although theparticular example shows a Raman spectrometer, other types ofspectrometers, such as a luminescence spectrometer, could readily bedesigned based on the description herein. As shown in FIG. 1, thespectrometer 20 comprises an excitation source 22. In a Ramanspectrometer, for example, the excitation source 22 typically comprisesa laser light source. In one embodiment, for example, the excitationsource 22 comprises a diode laser. A diode laser, for example, iscapable of providing a plurality of wavelengths from the excitationsource 22. The spectrometer 20 further comprises a filter 24. The filter24 filters the output of the excitation source 22, such as removingspurious emissions from the excitation source 22.

The spectrometer 20 further comprises an optical system 25. The opticalsystem 25 directs the incident beam 26 toward a sample 28 and receives aspectroscopy signal from the sample 28. In the embodiment shown in FIG.1, for example, the optical system 25 comprises a dichroic beam-splittermirror 30. However, the incident beam 26 may be directed at sample 28without any intervening instrument components located in the path ofincident beam 26. The incident beam 26 also may be directed at a mirror,a holographic transmissive element, a mirror formed with a hole in themirror or any other means for directing an incident beam known in theart.

The optical system 25 further comprises a means for moving the incidentbeam across a surface of the sample 28. In one embodiment, for example,an actuator assembly 31 moves (e.g., vibrates) one or more element ofthe optical system 25 (e.g., a moveable mirror 32) to move a focusedbeam across a surface of the sample 28. The actuator assembly 31, forexample, may control the moveable mirror 32 to move a focused incidentbeam 26 across a surface of the sample 28. The actuator assembly 31, forexample, may control the moveable mirror 32 to move the incident beam inany path or pattern across the surface of the sample 28. In oneimplementation, for example, the actuator assembly 31 may control themoveable mirror 32 in such a manner as to trace one or more line,circle, elliptical or other paths across the surface of the sample.FIGS. 2 through 10, described below, describe a number of exampleactuator assemblies 31 for use in the spectrometer 20.

The incident beam 26 may further be directed through a lens 34. In oneembodiment, the lens 34 comprises a focusing lens in the path of theincident beam 26. The focusing lens couples the incident beam 26 withthe sample 28 and collects the spectroscopy signal (e.g., Ramanscattered light) from the sample. In another embodiment, more than onelens 34 may be located in the path of the incident beam 26 before theincident beam 26 contacts the sample 28. In various embodiments, thespectrometer 20 may include other optical elements for directing anincident beam 26 toward a sample and collecting a spectroscopy signalfrom the sample. The optical system of the spectrometer 20, for example,may include elements such as a collimated beam tube or a fiber opticwaveguide. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,403,281 for examples of collimatedbeam tubes or fiber optic waveguides that may be used in optical systemsof various spectrometers.

The incident beam 26 induces or generates on contact with the sample 28a spectroscopy signal to be detected by the spectrometer 20. In Ramanspectroscopy, for example, the incident beam 26 induces or generates oncontact with the sample 28 scattered radiation having an energydifferential different from, and one or more wavelengths different than,the incident radiation 26, or the Raman shift that, for convenience, isdescribed in this document as a Raman beam. As stated above, and asshown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment the spectrometer 20 comprises abeam-splitter, such as a dichroic beam-splitter mirror 30. Thespectroscopy signal 36 (e.g., Raman beam) is directed back through thelens 34 and the dichroic beam-splitter mirror 30 in a 180 degreeback-scatter geometry. Neither the incident beam 26 nor the spectroscopysignal 36 need be co-linear. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, however,the spectroscopy signal 36 passes back through the dichroicbeam-splitter mirror 30 and then through a filter element 38. In oneembodiment, the filter element 38 comprises a long pass filter thatremoves extraneous radiation (e.g., from the light source 22 or anothersource) prior to dispersing the spectroscopy signal 36 into a spectrum.Alternatively, the filter element 38 may comprise a notch filter, or anyother filter that is capable of rejecting elastically scatteredradiation.

The spectroscopy signal 36 may further pass through an input focusinglens 40 that focuses the spectroscopy signal 36 to a point at a spatialfilter 41. In one embodiment, for example, the spatial filter 41comprises an aperture, slit or notch and is located at the focal pointof the input focusing lens 40. The spatial filter 41 spatially filtersthe beam at the focal point of the input focusing lens.

The spectrometer 20 shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a collimating lens42 that collimates the diverging spectroscopy signal 36 after it haspassed through an aperture of the spatial filter 41 (e.g., an aperture,slit or notch). The collimating lens 42 further directs there-collimated Raman beam toward a diffraction grating 44. Thediffraction grating 44 comprises an optical element that divides a Ramanbeam into spatial separated wavelengths. The diffraction grating 44further directs a divided Raman beam 46 toward a detector 48. Thedivided Raman beam 46 passes through a detector focusing lens 50 thatfocuses the spatially separated wavelengths of the divided Raman beam 46onto the detector 48.

The detector 48 comprises a transducer that converts optical energy intoan electrical signal. In one embodiment, for example, the detector 48comprises an array of individual transducers that create an electricalpattern representing the spatially separated wavelengths of the Ramanspectrum. A charge-coupled device (CCD) array, for example, may be usedas the detector 48 in one embodiment of the invention. In anotherembodiment, an Indium-Gallium-Arsenide (InGaAs) detector 48. Otherdetectors known in the art may also be used within a spectrometer of thepresent invention.

The spectrometer 20 further comprises control electronics 52 forcontrolling the operation of the spectrometer 20. The controlelectronics 52, for example, may control the operation of the lightsource 22, the actuator assembly 31, the detector 48, temperaturecontrol elements (e.g., for the light source or detector), and datatransfer to and/or from the spectrometer. In one embodiment, the controlelectronics 52 may be integrated onto a single PC board within a housingof the spectrometer. The control electronics 52 may also comprise one ormore discrete component(s) and/or one or more integrated circuitcomponent(s).

In one embodiment, the control electronics 52 may comprise a means forcommunicating with an external device. The means for communicating, forexample, the means form communicating may comprise a wired or wirelesscommunication port for communicating with an external computer, personaldata assistant (PDA), network or the like. A wired communication port,for example, may comprise a parallel, serial, universal serial bus(USB), FireWire™, IEEE 1394, Ethernet, modem, cable modem or other wiredcommunication port known in the art. A wireless communication port, forexample, may comprise an antenna for wireless communicating with anexternal device, such as via and infrared, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11a/b/g,IrDA, a wireless modem or other wireless communication port known in theart. The control electronics 52 may be powered from a battery for aportable device or may include a power input for receiving power from anexternal supply as known in the art. A battery or power supply circuit(e.g., a rectifier) may be located within a housing of the spectrometer20.

In Raman spectroscopy, the spectrometer 20 operates to detect a Ramanspectrum of a sample 28. In order to detect the Raman spectrum, thelight source 22 is activated to generate an incident beam 26 ofexcitation radiation, such as generating a laser incident beam in alaser light source. In one embodiment, for example, the temperature ofthe light source 22 is controlled to control the output frequency of theincident beam 26 generated by the light source 22. The incident beam 26of excitation radiation passes through the filter 24, which removesspurious emissions from the incident beam. The incident beam 26 isreflected off the beam-splitter mirror 30 toward the sample 28. Theincident beam 26 is focused onto the sample 28 by the output focusinglens 34.

The incident beam 26 generates Raman scattered light from the sample 28.The Raman scattered light is received by the output focusing lens 34 andtransmitted back through the beam-splitter mirror 30. In thisembodiment, the beam-splitter mirror 30 passes the Raman scattered lightthrough the mirror 30 to the filter 38. From the filter 38, the Ramanscattered light passes through the input focusing lens 40 and is focusedonto a spatial filter 41 such as an aperture, slit or notch. The Ramanscattered light is spatially filtered and diverges toward thecollimating lens 42. The collimating lens 42 collimates the divergingRaman scattered light and transmits the light to the diffraction grating44, which divides the Raman scattered light into spatial separatedwavelengths and directs the wavelengths towards the detector element 48.The spatially separated wavelengths of the Raman scattered light passthrough the detector focusing lens 50 and are focused into a focusedband of radiation that represents the spatially separated wavelengths ofthe Raman scattered light. The focused band of radiation is furtherdirected by the detector focusing lens 50 onto the detector 48.

In this particular implementation, the detector 48 comprises an array ofindividual transducers that each generate an electrical signalcorresponding to intensity of the radiation received at each of theindividual transducers. The electrical signals generated at theindividual transducers of the detector represents the spatiallyseparated wavelengths of the Raman spectrum of the sample 28. Theelectrical signals are read from the detector by the control electronics52. In one embodiment, for example, the spectrometer 20 may then presentthe Raman spectrum detected to a user such as via a display or indicatoron the spectrometer itself. In another embodiment, the controlelectronics of the spectrometer 20 may comprise a look-up table storedin a data storage element (e.g., memory, tape or disk drive, memorystick or the like). In this embodiment, the control electronics 52compares the signal from the detector with the values stored in thelook-up table to determine a result of the Raman scan. The spectrometer20 then presents the result to a user such as via a display or indicatoron the spectrometer. The result, for example, may indicate the presenceor absence of one or more chemicals or substances in the sample and mayfurther indicate an amount or concentration of a chemical or substancedetected by the spectrometer.

In other implementations, the detector 48 may comprise one or moreindividual transducers that rapidly scan for one or more anticipatedspectral features (e.g., Raman features). An example such system isdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/161,485 entitled“Spectrometer” and filed by Carron et al. on Jun. 15, 2011, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that itteaches and suggests.

FIG. 2 shows an example implementation of an actuator assembly 60 formoving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of a sample.The actuator assembly 60, for example, may move one or more elements ofan optical system of the spectrometer to scan, raster or otherwise movethe incident beam across the surface of the sample.

In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 2, a mirror 62 (or otheroptical element) is coupled to a flexible beam 64. The mirror 62 may,for example, correspond to the moveable mirror 32 shown in FIG. 1. Afirst proximal end 66 of the flexible beam 64 is anchored and a seconddistal end 68 of the flexible beam 64 is coupled to the mirror 62.Although the flexible beam is shown anchored at the first proximal end66 and coupled to the mirror 62 at the second distal end 68, theflexible beam 64 may be anchored and/or coupled to the mirror 62 at anypoint along a length L of the flexible beam 64. As the beam 64 flexes(e.g., due to force bending and/or torsion), the mirror 62 is moved withrespect to one or more other optical element, such as a focusing lens,of the spectrometer. The movement of the beam 64, for example, may alteran angle of the mirror 62 and redirect the incident beam from a staticpath. A collimated incident beam hits the mirror 62 and then is focusedthrough a stationary output lens 76 onto a spot of the sample 78. Thesize and shape of an area being illuminated can be changed with motorspeed, beam shape, beam stiffness, and the like. In addition, a speed ofthe motor 70 can be changed (e.g., ramped) in a fashion to maximize theilluminated area.

The flexible beam 64 may comprise any relatively flexible material. Inone implementation, for example, the flexible beam may comprise a ⅛″ or3/32″ tube of polystyrene. Other relatively high modulus materials(e.g., brass or a helical steel spring) that are able to vibrate withoutunduly absorbing energy may also be used.

The flexible beam 64 may be moved by any number of actuators. In theparticular implementation shown in FIG. 2, for example, a motor 70comprising an offset weight 72 (e.g., a cell phone vibrator motor) iscoupled to the flexible beam 64 offset from the anchor point of theflexible beam (e.g., the first proximal end 66). As the motor 70 isexcited, the offset weight 72 vibrates the flexible beam 64, moving theoptical element coupled to the flexible beam 64. In this implementation,the optical element comprises the moveable mirror 62 that reflects anincident excitation beam 74 from the spectrometer towards an outputfocusing lens 76 that focuses the incident beam onto the sample 78. Bymoving the mirror 62, the actuator assembly 60 moves the incident beam74 across a surface of the sample 78. A spectroscopy signal induced atthe sample by the incident beam 76 is received via the output focusinglens 76, reflected back off the moveable mirror 74 and passed through adichroic beam-splitter mirror of the spectrometer (see, e.g.,beam-splitter mirror 30 in FIG. 1).

The movement of the one or more optical elements coupled to the flexiblebeam 64 can be controlled by applying one or more control signals to themotor 70. FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, show example controlwaveforms that can be used to control the motion of one or more of theoptical element(s) (such as the mirror 62) and, in turn, the motion ofthe incident beam 74 across the surface of the sample 78.

The actuator assembly 60 may be used to move the incident beam 74 acrossthe surface of the sample 78 in any number of patterns or paths. Theactuator assembly 60, for example, may move the mirror 62 in a line,ellipse, circle or other controlled or uncontrolled manner to move theincident beam across the surface of the sample in any number of patternsor paths. The movement of the incident beam 74 across the surface of thesample 78 thus allows the spectrometer to sample a larger area of thesample without reducing the resolution of the spectrometer.

FIG. 3 shows another example implementation of an actuator assembly 80for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of asample. Similar to the actuator assembly 60 shown in FIG. 2, theactuator assembly 80 shown in FIG. 3 moves one or more optical elementsof a spectrometer to scan, raster or otherwise move the incident beamacross the surface of the sample.

In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 3, a mirror 82 (or otheroptical element) is coupled to a flexible beam 84, such as describedabove with respect to FIG. 2. As in FIG. 2, the mirror 82 may correspondto the moveable mirror 32 shown in FIG. 1. A first proximal end 86 ofthe flexible beam 84 is anchored and a second distal end 88 of theflexible beam 84 is coupled to the mirror 82. Again, although theflexible beam 84 is shown anchored at the first proximal end 86 andcoupled to the mirror 82 at the second distal end 88, the flexible beam84 may be anchored and/or coupled to the mirror 82 at any point along alength L of the flexible beam 84. As the beam 84 flexes (e.g., due toforce bending and/or torsion), the mirror 82 is moved with respect toone or more other optical element, such as a focusing lens 96, of thespectrometer. The movement of the beam 84, for example, may alter anangle of the mirror 82 and redirect the incident beam from a staticpath. A converging incident beam (received via the focusing lens 96)hits the mirror 82 and is redirected to form a focused spot or area onthe sample 98. As described above with respect to FIG. 2, the size andshape of an area being illuminated on the sample 98 can be changed withmotor speed, beam shape, beam stiffness, and the like. In addition, aspeed of the motor 90 can be changed (e.g., ramped) in a fashion tomaximize the illuminated area.

The flexible beam 84 may be moved by any number of actuators. In theparticular implementation shown in FIG. 3, for example, a motor 90comprising an offset weight 92 (e.g., a cell phone vibrator motor) iscoupled to the flexible beam 84 offset from the anchor point of theflexible beam 84 (e.g., the first proximal end 86). As the motor isexcited, the offset weight 92 vibrates the flexible beam 84, moving theoptical element coupled to the flexible beam 84. In this implementation,the optical element comprises the mirror 82 that reflects an incidentexcitation beam 94 from an output lens 96 of the spectrometer towards asample 98. By moving the mirror 82, the actuator assembly 80 moves theincident beam 94 across a surface of the sample. A spectroscopy signalinduced at the sample by the incident beam 94 is received via the mirror82 and either reflected to the output lens 96 of the spectrometer orpassed through the mirror (e.g., for a dichroic beam-splitter mirror ora mirror with an aperture for receiving spectroscopy signals).

As described above with respect to FIG. 2, the movement of the one ormore optical elements coupled to the flexible beam 84 can be controlledby applying one or more control signals to the motor 90. FIGS. 11 and12, described below, show example control waveforms that can be used tocontrol the motion of the optical element(s) and, in turn, the motion ofthe incident beam 94 across the surface of the sample 98.

The actuator assembly 80 may be used to move the incident beam acrossthe surface of the sample 98 in any number of patterns or paths. Theactuator assembly 80, for example, may move the mirror 82 in a line,ellipse, circle or other controlled or uncontrolled manner to move theincident beam across the surface of the sample in any number of patternsor paths. The movement of the incident beam across the surface of thesample thus allows the spectrometer to sample a larger area of thesample 98 without reducing the resolution of the spectrometer.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show yet another example implementation of an actuatorassembly 100 for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across asurface of a sample. FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the actuatorassembly 100, and FIG. 5 shows a side view of the actuator assembly 100.Similar to the actuator assemblies 60 and 80 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, theactuator assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 moves one or more opticalelements of a spectrometer (e.g., a moveable mirror) to scan, raster orotherwise move the incident beam across the surface of the sample.

In the implementation shown in FIG. 4, for example, an optical element,such as a mirror 102, is coupled to a flexible sheet stock 104. Theflexible sheet stock 104 comprises a plurality of support members 106coupled to perimeter edges 108 that are anchored. The support members106 are able to move (e.g., oscillate) in response to an actuator suchas a motor, magnet/coil pair or piezoelectric actuator. The supportmembers 106 also support one or more optical elements of thespectrometer (such as mirror 102). The flexible sheet stock 104 maycomprise any relatively flexible material. In one embodiment, forexample, a 0.040 or 0.060 sheet of polystyrene may be used. Otherrelatively high modulus materials (e.g., brass) that are able to vibratewithout unduly absorbing energy may also be used. Cut-outs in theflexible sheet stock 104, for example, may form the support members 106of the actuator assembly. The cut-outs may be formed to create aparticular bending or torsion profile when the motor 110 is activated.

As in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mirror 102 may correspond to the moveablemirror 32 shown in FIG. 1 or another mirror of the spectrometer. Theperimeter edges 108 of the flexible sheet stock 104 may be anchored toallow the support members 106 to move (e.g., oscillate within theflexible sheet stock). In various embodiments, any number of theperimeter edges 108 (e.g., one, two, three, or all four edges of theflexible sheet) may be anchored in whole or in part. Although theflexible sheet stock 104 is shown anchored along the perimeter edges 108and coupled to the mirror 102 at an internal support member 106, theflexible sheet stock 104 may be anchored and/or coupled to the mirror102 at any location on the flexible sheet stock 104. As the supportmembers 106 of the flexible sheet stock 104 flex, the mirror 102 ismoved with respect to one or more other optical element, such as afocusing lens 116, of the spectrometer.

The flexible sheet stock 104 may be moved by any number of actuators. Inthe particular implementation shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, amotor 110 comprising an offset weight 112 (e.g., a cell phone vibratormotor) is coupled to the flexible sheet stock 104. Two or more motorswith offset weights may also be used. Multiple motors may be used, forexample, to induce higher order oscillations in the support members ofthe flexible sheet stock 104. In the particular implementation shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, for example, the motor 110 is disposed on an oppositeside of the flexible sheet stock 104 from the mirror 102. The motor 110,for example, may be offset from the mirror 102 as shown in FIG. 4 ordirectly opposing the mirror 102. In other implementations, however, themotor 102 can be disposed in virtually any location on the flexiblesheet stock 104. The motor, for example, may be disposed on the sameside of the flexible sheet stock 104 as the optical element (e.g.,mirror 102). As the motor 110 is excited, the offset weight 112 vibratesthe flexible sheet stock 104, moving the optical element (e.g., mirror102) coupled to the flexible sheet stock 104.

In this implementation, the optical element comprises the mirror 102that reflects an incident excitation beam 114 of the spectrometer. Asshown in FIG. 5, the mirror 102 may be disposed between an outputfocusing lens 116 and a sample 118, similar to the arrangement shown inthe implementation of FIG. 3, and reflect the incident beam from theoutput focusing lens 116 toward a sample 118. In another implementation,however, the mirror 102 may be disposed between an excitation source andthe output focusing lens 116 of the spectrometer, similar to thearrangement of the implementation shown in FIG. 2 and reflect theincident beam through the output focusing lens 116 toward a sample 118.

By moving the mirror 102, the actuator assembly 100 moves the incidentbeam 114 across a surface of the sample 118. A spectroscopy signalinduced at the sample by the incident beam 114 is received via themirror 102 and either reflected to an output lens 116 of thespectrometer or passed through the mirror (e.g., for a dichroicbeam-splitter mirror or a mirror with an aperture for receivingspectroscopy signals).

As described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, the movement of theone or more optical elements coupled to the flexible sheet stock 104 canbe controlled by applying one or more control signals to the motor 110.FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, show example control waveforms thatcan be used to control the motion of the optical element(s) and, inturn, the motion of the incident beam 114 across the surface of thesample 118.

The actuator assembly 100 may be used to move the incident beam acrossthe surface of the sample in any number of patterns or paths. Theactuator assembly 100, for example, may move the mirror 102 in a line,ellipse, circle or other controlled or uncontrolled manner to move theincident beam across the surface of the sample in any number of patternsor paths. The movement of the incident beam across the surface of thesample thus allows the spectrometer to sample a larger area of thesample without reducing the resolution of the spectrometer.

FIG. 6 shows yet another example implementation of an actuator assembly120 for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of asample. In this implementation, a multifaceted, multi-angled mirrorassembly 122 is attached to a motor 124 configured to rotate theassembly to provide different faces 126 of the mirror assembly 122 tothe optical system of a spectrometer to move an incident beam across asurface of a sample. Similar to the actuator assemblies shown in FIGS.2-5, the actuator assembly 120 shown in FIG. 6 moves one or more opticalelements (e.g., mirrors) of a spectrometer to scan, raster or otherwisemove the incident beam across the surface of the sample.

The actuator assembly 120 shown in FIG. 6 is disposed between a focusinglens 128 of the spectrometer and the sample 130. The actuator assembly120 receives the incident beam 132 from the focusing lens 128 andreflects the beam toward the sample 130. The actuator assembly 120 alsoreceives a spectroscopy signal from the sample 130 and reflects it backto the optical system of the spectrometer via the focusing lens 128.

As the multiple facets 126 of the multi-faceted, multi-angled mirrorsare rotated by the motor 124, the incident beam 132 (and a correspondingreturning spectroscopy signal) may be directed in virtually any numberof patterns or paths across the surface of the sample 130. In oneimplementation, for example, the multiple facets 126 of the actuatorassembly 120 allow the incident beam 132 to trace multiple lines in araster pattern similar to a cathode ray tube (CRT) raster pattern. Asthe mirror assembly 122 rotates, for example, each mirror 126 can directan incident beam in a line across the sample 130, and as the next,differently angled mirror is rotated towards the incident beam 132, thedifferent angle of the mirrors can direct the incident beam 132 inconsecutive lines across the surface of the sample 130. Other mirrorangles and facets can also be used to direct the incident beam acrossthe surface of the sample in different patterns or paths.

FIG. 7 shows another example implementation of an actuator assembly 140for moving an incident beam across a surface of a sample. Similar to theimplementation shown in FIG. 6, the implementation of FIG. 7 comprises amultifaceted, multi-angled mirror assembly 142 attached to a motor 144configured to rotate the assembly 142 to provide different faces 146 ofthe mirror assembly 142 to the optical system of a spectrometer to movean incident beam 152 across a surface of a sample 150. Similar to theactuator assemblies shown in FIGS. 2-6, the actuator assembly 140 shownin FIG. 7 moves one or more optical elements (e.g., mirrors 146) of aspectrometer to scan, raster or otherwise move the incident beam 152across the surface of the sample 150.

The actuator assembly 140 shown in FIG. 7 is disposed between anexcitation source of a spectrometer and a focusing lens 148 of thespectrometer. The actuator assembly 140 receives the incident beam 152via the excitation source directly or indirectly (e.g., in a collimatedbeam) and reflects the beam 152 toward the focusing lens 148, which inturn focuses the incident beam 152 on the sample 150. The actuatorassembly 140 also receives a spectroscopy signal via the focusing lens148 and redirects it to the optical system of the spectrometer.

Similar to the actuator assembly of FIG. 6, the actuator assembly 140 ofFIG. 7 can be designed to direct an incident beam of a spectrometeracross the surface of a sample in any number of patterns, such as in araster pattern similar to a CRT raster pattern.

FIG. 7A shows yet another example implementation of an actuator assembly120A for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of asample. In this implementation, an angled mirror assembly 122A isattached to a drive shaft 125A of a motor 124A. The motor 124A, forexample, can be configured to rotate a rotary drive shaft to rotate theassembly angled mirror assembly 122A, in turn. Rotating the angledmirror assembly 122A moves a face 126A of the angled mirror assembly122A with respect to the incident beam (e.g., a laser or other lightbeam). As the face 126A of the mirror assembly 122A is rotated, theincident beam is redirected to the surface of the sample and is movedacross the surface of the sample. In the implementation shown in FIG.7A, for example, the incident beam can be directed in a generallycircular, generally oval, circular, oval or other shaped pattern acrossthe surface of the sample. Similar to the actuator assemblies shown inFIGS. 2-7, the actuator assembly 120A shown in FIG. 7A moves one or moreoptical elements (e.g., mirrors) of a spectrometer to scan, raster orotherwise move the incident beam across the surface of the sample.

In the particular example shown in FIG. 7A, for example, the angledmirror assembly 122A is disposed at an angle 127A with respect to thedrive shaft 125A of the motor 124A that is not perpendicular to thedrive shaft 125A. In this example, where the incident beam is directedoff-center to the face 126A of the mirror assembly 122A, the incidentbeam is moved across the surface of the sample as the mirror assembly122A is rotated by the drive shaft 125A of the motor 124A. Where themirror assembly 122A is generally rigid and fixedly mounted on the driveshaft 125A, for example, the incident beam will be moved across asurface of the sample in a generally circular pattern. The pattern,however, may be altered by changing the angle 127A, by mounting themirror assembly 122A to the drive shaft 125A so that the mirror assembly122A is able to wobble or otherwise move with respect to the drive shaft125A, by flexibly mounting the mirror assembly 122A to the drive shaft125A (e.g., by one or more springs or other flexible mounts such as aflexible substrate or sheet stock shown and described herein withrespect to FIGS. 4 and 5), and/or the motor 124A may be flexibly mountedwithin or to a spectrometer such as via one or more springs or otherflexible mounts. Where the mirror assembly 122A and/or the motor 124A isflexibly mounted, the mirror assembly 122A may be mounted to the driveshaft so that the mirror face 126A is generally perpendicular to thedrive shaft, but able to move the incident beam with respect to asurface of the sample as the mirror face 126A is moved (e.g., vibrated)with respect to the incident beam.

The mirror assembly 122A may also be automatically reset to a fixedposition so that the incident beam may be reliably directed to a single,predetermined location for taking a spectrum of the sample at a fixedlocation. In one implementation, for example, a pair of magnets 127A,129A may be attached to the mirror assembly 122A and/or the drive shaft125A of the motor 124A. The magnets 127A, 129A, for example, may includepermanent and/or electromagnets that may move the mirror assembly 122Ainto a set, predetermined position with respect to the incident beam.Thus, when a spectrum is to be taken at a set, stationary position atthe sample, the pair of magnets 127A, 129A may attract each other andlock the mirror assembly in the predetermined position. However, theincident beam may also be moved with respect to a surface of the samplewhen the drive shaft 125A is rotated. In one implementation, forexample, the pair of magnets 127A, 129A provide sufficient strength tomove the mirror assembly 122A into the set, predetermined location whenthe drive shaft 125A is not rotated by the motor 124A, but the motor124A is powerful enough to overcome the strength of the pair of magnets127A, 129A so that the motor 124A can rotate the drive shaft and themirror assembly 122A. In another embodiment, one or both of the magnets127A, 129A may be an electromagnet that may be activated when the mirrorassembly 122A is to be locked in the set, predetermined location anddeactivated when the mirror assembly 122A is to be moved with respect tothe incident beam.

In another implementation, the pair of magnets may instead comprise asingle magnet and another component that may be magnetically coupledwith the single magnet. For example, a material that may be coupled(e.g., iron) to the magnet may be used in place of one of the magnetsdescribed above. In one implementation, for example, a magnet may becoupled to the drive shaft and/or the rotating mirror assembly of theactuator and a fixed element that is configured to magnetically couplewith the magnet. In this implementation, the magnet physically coupledto the drive shaft and/or rotating mirror assembly may turn the driveshaft and/or rotating mirror assembly until the magnet is positionedadjacent to the fixed element to set the mirror face and the rotatingmirror assembly at a set, predetermined position. Alternatively, amagnet may be fixed within and/or to the spectrometer and be configuredto magnetically couple to an element physically fixed to the drive shaftand/or the rotating mirror assembly of the actuator. In thisimplementation, the magnet will draw the fixed element of the actuatortowards the magnet until they are disposed adjacently to each other andthe mirror face and/or the rotating mirror assembly are at a set,predetermined position.

FIG. 7B shows another implementation in which two or more rotatingmirror assemblies 122B, 122C are used to direct an incident beam to asample. The rotating mirror assemblies may each be assemblies such asshown and described with respect to FIG. 7A and may be arranged in anynumber of configurations. In the particular implementation shown in FIG.7B, for example, two rotating mirror assemblies 122B and 122C arearranged so that an incident beam is directed to a first rotating mirrorassembly 122B, then to a second rotating mirror assembly 122C and thento the sample. In this implementation, the incident beam is redirectedby the first rotating mirror assembly 122B so that the redirectedincident beam is moved with respect to a mirror face of the secondmirror assembly 122C, such as in a circular or oval pattern. In thisimplementation, for example, the rotating mirror assemblies 122B and122C include an angled mirror face 126B, 126C disposed at anon-perpendicular angle with respect to drive shafts of the respectiveassemblies.

As shown in FIG. 7B as the pair of rotating mirror assemblies 122B, 122Care rotated as described above, the incident beam is moved in a seriesof oval patterns within a generally circular pattern to take ailluminate the sample across a surface of the sample within the largergenerally circular pattern. Although particular patterns are shown anddescribed, any number of patterns or even non-patterned movements may beachieved depending on the construction and arrangement of the actuatorassembly 120B as described above with respect to FIG. 7A any componentof the actuator assembly 120B may be flexibly or otherwise movablymounted so that vibration, wobbling or other movement of thecomponent(s) may alter the movement of the incident beam at the sample.

As described above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7, the actuator assembly120A or 120B shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B may be disposed between a focusinglens 128 of the spectrometer and the sample 130 (such as shown in FIG.6) or may be disposed between an excitation source and a focusing lensof a spectrometer. In either implementation, the actuator assembly 120Aor 120B receives the incident beam (from the focusing lens or theexcitation source) and reflects the beam toward the sample. The actuatorassembly also receives a spectroscopy signal from the sample andreflects it back to the optical system of the spectrometer.

As described with respect to FIG. 7A, the actuator assembly 120B mayfurther include a pair of magnets to move the rotating mirror assemblies122B and 122C into a set, predetermined position. Similarly, the motors(either in FIG. 7A or 7B) may be configured to move the assemblies intoa predetermined position such as via a stepper or other motor that canbe configured to do so. In addition, although shown with respect toFIGS. 7A and 7B, similar magnetic configurations may be used withrespect to the other actuator assemblies shown and described herein.With respect to various flexible beam or flexible sheet stockimplementations shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 8-10, a first magnet may beattached to the flexible beam (e.g., at or near the distal end of aflexible beam) or flexible sheet stock (e.g., at or near where themirror is affixed to the flexible sheet stock) and a second magnet maybe secured within and/or to the spectrometer to attract and hold theflexible beam or flexible sheet stock in a set, predetermined position.With respect to the rotating multi-faceted multi-angled mirrorimplementations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair of magnets may bearranged in a substantially similar manner as shown and described withrespect to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 8 shows yet another example implementation of an actuator assembly160 for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of asample. Similar to the actuator assemblies shown in FIGS. 2-7, theactuator assembly 160 shown in FIG. 8 moves one or more optical elementsof a spectrometer to scan, raster or otherwise move the incident beamacross the surface of the sample.

In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 8, a mirror 162 (or otheroptical element) is coupled to a flexible beam 164. The mirror 162 maycorrespond to the moveable mirror 32 shown in FIG. 1. A first proximalend 166 of the flexible beam 164 is anchored and a second distal end 168of the flexible beam 164 is coupled to the mirror 162. Again, althoughthe flexible beam is shown anchored at the first proximal end 166 andcoupled to the mirror 162 at the second distal end 168, the flexiblebeam 164 may be anchored and/or coupled to the mirror 162 at any pointalong a length L of the flexible beam 164. As the beam 164 flexes, themirror 162 is moved with respect to one or more other optical element,such as a focusing lens 176, of the spectrometer.

The flexible beam 164 may be moved by any number of actuators. In theparticular implementation shown in FIG. 8, for example, a magnet/coilpair 170 is provided to move the flexible beam 164 and the opticalelement (e.g., mirror 162) coupled to the beam 164. In theimplementation, shown in FIG. 8, for example, a magnet 172 (e.g., apermanent magnet) of the magnet/coil pair 170 is coupled to the flexiblebeam 164 offset from the anchor point of the flexible beam 164 (e.g.,the first proximal end 166). A coil 173 of the magnet/coil pair 170 isdisposed adjacent to the magnet 172 and can be controlled to repeland/or attract the magnet 172 coupled to the beam 164. Although themagnet 172 is shown coupled to the flexible beam 164 and the coil 173 isshown offset from the beam 164 and the magnet 172, the opposite may alsoprovided (i.e., the coil may be coupled to the beam 164 and the magnet172 may be offset from the beam 164 and the coil 173). As a current isapplied to the coil 173, the opposing magnet 172 may be repelled and/orattracted to move the flexible beam 164, and, in turn, move the opticalelement (e.g., the mirror 162) coupled to the flexible beam 164. In thisimplementation, the optical element comprises the mirror 162 thatreflects an incident excitation beam 174 from an output lens 176 of thespectrometer towards a sample 178. By moving the mirror 162, theactuator assembly 160 moves the incident beam 174 across a surface ofthe sample 178. A spectroscopy signal induced at the sample 178 by theincident beam 174 is received via the mirror 162 and either reflected tothe output lens 176 of the spectrometer or passed through the mirror(e.g., for a dichroic beam-splitter mirror or a mirror with an aperturefor receiving spectroscopy signals). Similarly, the mirror 162 may alsobe disposed between an excitation source and the focusing lens 176 asshown in FIG. 2.

As described above with respect to FIGS. 2-5, the movement of the one ormore optical elements coupled to the flexible beam 164 can be controlledby applying one or more control signals to the magnet/coil pair 170.FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, show example control waveforms thatcan be used to control the motion of the optical element(s) and, inturn, the motion of the incident beam 174 across the surface of thesample 178.

FIG. 9 shows another example implementation of an actuator assembly 180for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of asample. Similar to the actuator assemblies shown in FIGS. 2-8, theactuator assembly 180 shown in FIG. 9 moves one or more optical elementsof a spectrometer to scan, raster or otherwise move the incident beamacross the surface of the sample.

In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 9, a mirror 182 (or otheroptical element) is coupled to a flexible beam 184. The mirror 182 maycorrespond to the moveable mirror 32 shown in FIG. 1. A first proximalend 186 of the flexible beam 184 is anchored and a second distal end 188of the flexible beam 184 is coupled to the mirror 182. Again, althoughthe flexible beam 184 is shown anchored at the first proximal end 186and coupled to the mirror 182 at the second distal end 188, the flexiblebeam 184 may be anchored and/or coupled to the mirror 182 at any pointalong a length L of the flexible beam 184. As the beam 184 flexes, themirror 182 is moved with respect to one or more other optical element,such as a focusing lens 196, of the spectrometer.

The flexible beam 184 may be moved by any number of actuators. In theparticular implementation shown in FIG. 9, for example, a piezoelectricactuator 190 (e.g., a piezoelectric actuator stack) is provided to movethe flexible beam 184 and the optical element coupled to the beam 184.In this implementation, for example, the piezoelectric actuator 190 iscoupled to the flexible beam 184 at a location 191 offset from theanchor point of the flexible beam 184 (e.g., the first proximal end186). The piezoelectric actuator 190 is also anchored at a location 192opposing where the piezoelectric actuator 190 is coupled to the flexiblebeam 184. The piezoelectric actuator 190 can be controlled to move theflexible beam 184 (e.g., by flexing the beam 184). The flexible beam, inturn, moves the optical element coupled to the flexible beam 184. Inthis implementation, the optical element comprises the mirror 182 thatreflects an incident excitation beam 194 from an output lens of thespectrometer towards a sample 198. By moving the mirror 182, theactuator assembly 180 moves the incident beam 194 across a surface ofthe sample 198. A spectroscopy signal induced at the sample 198 by theincident beam 194 is received via the mirror 182 and either reflected tothe output lens 196 of the spectrometer or passed through the mirror(e.g., for a dichroic beam-splitter mirror or a mirror with an aperturefor receiving spectroscopy signals). Similarly, the mirror 182 may alsobe disposed between an excitation source and the focusing lens 196 asshown in FIG. 2.

As described above with respect to FIGS. 2-5, the movement of the one ormore optical elements coupled to the flexible beam 184 can be controlledby applying one or more control signals to the piezoelectric actuator190. FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, show example control waveformsthat can be used to control the motion of the optical element(s) and, inturn, the motion of the incident beam 194 across the surface of thesample 198.

Although the actuators of FIGS. 8 and 9 are shown with respect to aflexible beam, the actuators may alternatively be provided with one ormore flexible sheet stocks, such as shown with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 10 shows yet another example implementation of an actuator assembly200 for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of asample. Similar to the actuator assemblies shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, theactuator assembly 200 shown in FIG. 10 moves one or more opticalelements of a spectrometer to scan, raster or otherwise move theincident beam across the surface of the sample.

In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 10, a focusing mirror 202(or other optical element) is coupled to a flexible beam 204, such asdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3. The focusing mirror 202may correspond to a combination of the moveable mirror 32 and the outputfocusing lens 34 the shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the focusing mirror 202 bothfocuses the incident beam 214 and moves the beam 214 across a surface ofthe sample 218. A first proximal end 206 of the flexible beam 204 isanchored and a second distal end 208 of the flexible beam 204 is coupledto the mirror 202. Again, although the flexible beam 204 is shownanchored at the first proximal end 206 and coupled to the mirror 202 atthe second distal end 208, the flexible beam 204 may be anchored and/orcoupled to the mirror 202 at any point along a length L of the flexiblebeam 204. As the beam 204 flexes (e.g., due to force bending and/ortorsion), the focusing mirror 202 is moved with respect to one or moreother optical element of the spectrometer. The movement of the beam 204,for example, may alter an angle of the focusing mirror 202 and redirectthe incident beam from a static path. A collimated incident beam(received via an optical system of the spectrometer), for example, hitsthe focusing mirror 202 and is focused and redirected to form a focusedspot or area on the sample 218. As described above with respect to FIGS.2 and 3, the size and shape of an area being illuminated on the sample218 can be changed with motor speed, beam shape, beam stiffness, and thelike. In addition, a speed of the motor 210 can be changed (e.g.,ramped) in a fashion to maximize the illuminated area.

The flexible beam 214 may be moved by any number of actuators. In theparticular implementation shown in FIG. 10, for example, a motor 210comprising an offset weight 212 (e.g., a cell phone vibrator motor) iscoupled to the flexible beam 204 offset from the anchor point of theflexible beam 204 (e.g., the first proximal end 206). As the motor isexcited, the offset weight 212 vibrates the flexible beam 204, movingthe optical element (e.g., the focusing lens 202) coupled to theflexible beam 204. In this implementation, the optical element comprisesthe focusing mirror 202 that focuses and reflects an incident excitationbeam 214 from the spectrometer optical system towards a sample 218. Bymoving the mirror 202, the actuator assembly 200 moves the incident beam214 across a surface of the sample 218. A spectroscopy signal induced atthe sample by the incident beam 214 is received via the mirror 202 andeither reflected to the spectrometer optical system or passed throughthe mirror 202 (e.g., for a dichroic beam-splitter mirror or a mirrorwith an aperture for receiving spectroscopy signals).

As described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, the movement of theone or more optical elements coupled to the flexible beam 204 can becontrolled by applying one or more control signals to the motor 210.FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, show example control waveforms thatcan be used to control the motion of the optical element(s) and, inturn, the motion of the incident beam 214 across the surface of thesample 218.

The actuator assembly 200 may be used to move the incident beam acrossthe surface of the sample 218 in any number of patterns or paths. Theactuator assembly 200, for example, may move the mirror 202 in a line,ellipse, circle or other controlled or uncontrolled manner to move theincident beam across the surface of the sample in any number of patternsor paths. The movement of the incident beam across the surface of thesample thus allows the spectrometer to sample a larger area of thesample 218 without reducing the resolution of the spectrometer.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show waveforms of example motor drive waveforms that maybe used to control the motors of the implementations shown in FIGS. 2-5and 10. FIG. 11, for example, shows a sawtooth motor drive waveform 220that may be used as a control signal for a motor of an actuatorassembly. The sawtooth motor drive waveform includes an initial powerboost portion 222 and a speed control ramp portion 224. FIG. 11 shows atriangle motor drive waveform 230 that may also be used as a controlsignal for a motor of the actuator assembly. The triangle motor drivewaveform 230 includes an initial power boost portion 232 and a speedcontrol ramp portion 234. These example waveforms may be used to vary amotor speed in a controlled fashion. Since DC motors run at a lowerspeed (or voltage) than they will start at, a control signal may providean initial spike and then switch to a controlled ramp signal.

Varying the speed of the DC motor can collapse a pattern (e.g., acircular or elliptical pattern) such that the incident beam may be movedover an entire pattern instead of merely around a perimeter of apattern.

Other actuators may also be driven in various manners to achievemovement of the incident beam across the surface of the sample invarious patterns or paths. A magnet/coil pair actuator, such as shown inFIG. 8, could be driven by a control signal, such as a square wave orsine wave control signal. A piezoelectric actuator such as shown in FIG.9 could also be driven by a control signal, such as a sine wave. A sinewave control signal, for example, could be varied in amplitude and/orfrequency to vary the motion of the actuator assembly.

While studies of Raman targets can be performed on various equipment,such as on a combination of a very high end Renishaw Raman microscopeand a moderately priced commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) hand-held Ramansystem, detecting small targets disposed within a larger target area canbe difficult. In a textile environment in which one or more taggedfibers (e.g., yarns) are disposed within a larger textile product, amoderately priced COTS Raman device can be used to authenticate taggedyarns; however, design changes are provided to provide a more viablethin line-based textile authentication solution (FIG. 13).

A COTS Raman reader such as described above may use sampling probes thatprovide moderate control of the focal distance between the system andsample (e.g., to identify unknown bulk materials (powders, pure liquids,etc.)). Bulk material identification does not typically require preciselocation of the sample. Further, the identification of unknowns requireshigh spectral resolution and an associated small sampling/focal volume(50 μm). In one implementation, for example, difficulties associatedwith Raman analysis of irregular thin line samples using small focalvolumes include difficulty of locating and focusing on fibroussubstrates that are made of individual fibers having diameters between10-30 μm.

In one implementation of a detector, a Raman spectrometer, as providedherein, may be used to detect tagged fibers blended within a textileproduct (e.g., blended thin lines, such as having only 1-3% activefibers). In one implementation, a Raman reader equipped with scanningcapabilities and an expanded focal volume (e.g., 100s of μm) isprovided.

A Raman reader for thin-line based textile authentication, with alow-cost, easy to use handheld device is provided in one implementation.The challenges for designing a viable commercial reader to couple with asmall tagged item within a larger sampling area include a samplingmechanism and a cost/performance benefit to the end user.

In one implementation, for example, a unique high étendueexcitation/collection system and spectrometer design is provided.

Étendue relates to the light collection, but better than simplyexpressing the solid angle of light collected, étendue includes thespectral resolution as well. This can be seen from the approximation forthe étendue (G), G=S′ L/q, where S′ is the slit width, L is the area ofthe collection lens, and q is the distance from the collection lens tothe entrance slit. See, e.g.,www.horiba.com/us/en/scientific/products/optics-tutorial/throughput-etendue/.This concept accounts for the width of the entrance slit, which in a 1:1imaging spectrograph, and equates to the spectral resolution and itaccounts for the area of the lens and magnification through the L/qterm.

A typical modern Raman system attempts to produce a small spot at thesample such that the collection lens can collect a large solid angle,magnify the spot, and send it through a narrow slit to maintain areasonable resolution. This is ideal for homogeneous bulk samples. Asindicated above, certain detection solutions, however, require adifferent set of standards. The sample, a thread on an item of clothing,for example, is not representative of a homogeneous sample and the endusers, under the repetitious demands of continual testing, cannot beassumed to be capable of careful point and shoot accuracy to hit thecorrect thread. This requires the reader to sample a large area, whichon a typical material identification system would mean a large spot sizeat the sample and as the étendue concept suggests, a large slit with andconcomitant poor spectral resolution. This may be acceptable with a verylimited number of tags, but it is incompatible with the spectralresolution required to resolve many tags (e.g., 100s to 1000s of tags)that may be present in various implementations.

FIG. 14 illustrates one implementation of a solution to this problem. Inthis implementation, the reader is designed to raster the tightlyfocused laser excitation beam, which couples the Raman excitation fromthat beam to a narrow slit width for good spectral resolution, andmaintains high spectral throughput with a low f/# collection lens andspectrograph. Rather than using a large spot size, the orbital rasterscan (ORS™) maintains a small beam size to aperture design. The neteffect is an averaged spot size that allows the end user to place thedevice near the thread of interest and scan an area large enough toenclose the thread. The difference between this design and currentlyavailable Raman systems is significant; with ORS™, high spectralresolution and therefore Raman resolving power will be retained for aplurality (e.g., 1000+) tags to be detected in various systems.

Laser Safety

End user considerations also control the focus of the reader. Variousother material identification systems use contact probes to insure bestfocus. Where samples are homogenous powers, solids, or liquids, forexample, these systems use a pointed tip or a vial holder. For a firstdefender in full HAZMAT this is a very appropriate design. However, itis not ideal for locating a tagged device (e.g., a tagged fiber on apiece of clothing).

In one implementation, the reader focus can be located away from (e.g.,25 mm away) a collection lens and to cover the sampling distance with atube of protective material (e.g., plastic). The material (e.g.,plastic) can be smoked to produce an overall absorbance or may bewavelength selective to allow good visibility of the sample and stillprovide absorption at the proposed 808 nm wavelength laser.

In this implementation, the system will allow unskilled end-users tooperate the device without concerns over focusing or eye-safety, whileobserving the area that is illuminated. The eye-safety cylinder can beinterlocked such that the laser is only on when pressure is applied tothe sample. This provides laser safety to the user.

Library Matching and Resolution

In a typical library matching algorithm, a simple correlation, isrepresented by:R ²=1−(<L _(m) >·<U _(m)>)²/[(<L _(m) >·<L _(m)>)(<U _(m) >·<U _(m)>)]where, L_(m) and U_(m) are the mean-centered library and sample(unknown) spectra, respectively. This method works very well forsearching large databases. One characteristic of this algorithm is highsensitivity to the frequency position of the Raman features and lesssensitivity to the relative peak intensities. Mean-centering removesspurious results due to variations in the spectral baselines.

Fluorescence can cause problems with this routine, as the fluorescencebackground is not removed by mean-centering. To correct for fluorescencea first derivative spectrum can be taken. This removes the low frequencyintensity changes due to fluorescence while producing sharp peaks forthe high frequency Raman bands (FIG. 15).

McCreery, R., Horn, A., Spencer, J., and Jefferson, E., 1998,Noninvasive identification of materials inside USP vials with Ramanspectroscopy and a Raman spectral library. J. Pharm. Sci., 87(1), 1-8 isa reference for realistic material matching with Raman spectroscopy.This reference illustrates the large enhancement of matching with afirst derivative correlation; it illustrates the relative resistance ofthe matching algorithms to SNR reduction. For example, they showexcellent matching (R²=0.95) with a signal to noise of 17. Even with asignal to noise of 2.8 the matching algorithm still properly identifiedthe material.

The spectrum in FIG. 15 of an activated thread was acquired in 1 secondwith a system to be described below. Table 1 illustrates calculated andanticipated SNR values for tags. In this table the SNR is presented intwo formats: as a single peak measurement, and as a full spectralmatching measurement. Actual SNR comparison of the single peak and fullspectral matching is presented from the second column on the left; thefull spectral matching is nearly 4 times better SNR than a single peak.In one implementation, a system may be able to positively identify athin, tagged fiber using an approximate 2% blend of the tagged fiberwithin a textile product. The next columns show how the SNR is affectedby this dilution and by rastering to produce a larger spot and changingthe integration to 10 seconds. If a threshold of SNR>5 is established itcan be seen that a low powered laser system is well above that for area(full spectral) matching and if a higher powered (80 mW laser) is usedthen we are 12 times above the threshold.

TABLE 1 SNR calculated for blended thin lines using the various SnRIRaman reader configurations Example Raman reader design Power 15 mWLaser 15 mW Laser 15 mW Laser 15 mW Laser 80 mW Laser Sample Pure 2% 2%2% 2% Time/Spot size SNR (1 second, SNR (1 second, SNR (1 second, SNR (1second, SNR (10 second, 200 μm spot) 200 μm spot) 1000 μm spot) 1000 μmspot) 1000 μm spot) Peak (1142) 1241 (SNR > 5) 25 (SNR > 5) 1 7 (SNR <5) 3.17 (SNR < 5) 17 (SNR > 5) Area (300-2000) 4615 (SNR > 5) 92 (SNR >5) 3.7 (SNR < 5) 11.7 (SNR > 5) 62 (SNR > 5)

An analysis of different readers was conducted by interchanging lasers,detectors, gratings, apertures, and lens in a compact test bedspectrometer was performed. This analysis resulted in gold standardsystems (and/or highly cooled CCD) with cost of goods sold (COGS) ofless than $1000. The primary cost drivers are the laser and detector. Asystem with a low-cost VCSEL laser source and a linear CCD hadperformance nearly equivalent to systems with a high powered laser andexpensive scientific grade detector. These results appear contrary toestablished Raman performance; but it is important to understand variousimplementations that may be achieved. In certain implementations, forexample, readers are operated in the less than 10 second acquisitionregime. In this regime, dark noise is not significant and a low cost,low readout noise detector can perform as well as expensive highlycooled detectors.

SERS Nanoparticle Active Fiber Readers

Challenges for a viable commercial reader to couple with SERSnanoparticle active fiber targets include the sampling mechanism and thecost/performance benefit to the end user. These challenges can be metwith a unique high étendue excitation/collection system of aspectrometer design described herein.

Étendue

Étendue relates to the light collection, but better than simplyconsisting of the solid angle of light collected, étendue includes thespectral resolution as well. This can be seen from the approximation forthe étendue (G), G=S′ L/q, where S′ is the slit width, L is the area ofthe collection lens, and q is the distance from the collection lens tothe entrance slit. This concept nicely accounts for the width of theentrance slit which in a 1:1 imaging spectrograph is equivalent to thespectral resolution and it accounts for the area of the lens andmagnification through the L/q term.

A typical modern Raman system attempts to produce a small spot at thesample such that the collection lens can collect a large solid angle,magnify the spot, and send it through a small slit to maintain areasonable resolution. Handheld material identification systems workwell under these requirements when the samples are homogeneous.

In one implementation, a different set of standards is provided. Asample (e.g., a thread on an item of clothing) is not representative ofa homogeneous sample. An end user, under the repetitious demands ofcontinual testing, cannot be assumed to be capable of careful point andshoot accuracy to hit the correct thread. This requires the reader tosample a large area, which on a typical material identification systemcould mean a large spot size at the sample and as the étendue conceptsuggests, a large slit with and concomitant poor spectral resolution.This may be acceptable with a very limited number of tags, but it isincompatible with the spectral resolution required to resolve many tags(e.g., 100s to 1000s of tags) provided for in various implementations.

FIG. 16 illustrates one solution to this difficulty. In this solution, areader rasters a tightly focused laser excitation beam, couples theRaman excitation from that beam to a small slit width for good spectralresolution, and maintains high spectral throughput with a low f/#collection lens and spectrograph. The orbital raster scan (ORS™) fromSnRI rather than using a large spot size maintains a small instantlycoupled beam size to aperture design. The net effect is an averaged spotsize that allows the end user to place the device near the thread ofinterest and scan an area large enough to locate the thread. Thedifference between this design and current Raman systems is significant;we maintain a high spectral resolution and therefore Raman resolvingpower.

Taggant Example

Dispersed reporters (e.g., taggants) disposed within a sample can bedetected by a spectrometer configured to move an incident beam across asurface of a sample. In one implementation, for example, panels coatedwith a tagged paint can be sampled by such a spectrometer. In thisimplementation, for example, the taggants can be at low concentrationsand need not be evenly dispersed. The taggants can be luminescentmaterials that require high spectral resolution to resolve the spectrum.FIG. 17 shows a location with little taggant and a strong signal changeat that spot due to moving a focused incident beam across the sample(e.g., rastering). FIG. 17 shows an example of a single point focusmeasurement (solid line) and a raster measurement (dotted line) aroundthe same spot. The point focus is hitting a spot with little taggant.The raster scan averages an area containing large and small amounts oftaggant.

FIG. 18 illustrates a small variation across a panel when moving thebeam (e.g., rastering) is used. In this illustration averaging throughrastering or otherwise moving an incident beam across a sample is shown.A goal of this application is to reduce the variation in the signal dueto inhomogeneity of the taggants. In this particular example, rasteringreduces the variation to <4%.

FIG. 19 illustrates the difference between an instrument which uses apoint focus and an instrument with the raster scan attachment. FIG. 19illustrates sample inhomogeneity. In this example, the left-hand boxcontains three measurements on a sample made with a system having apoint focus. There are very large variations in the signal. The box onthe right shows a rastered signals from three spots. In this example,the rastering is able to correct for an inhomogeneity.

FIG. 20 illustrates a linear regression analysis of 15 standards over a100 fold dilution. The correlation between the raster signal and thetaggant concentration is >0.99. This illustrates a goal of rasterscanning in that removing the large variation in signal due toinhomogeneity allows the user to quantitate the amount of taggant in asample. This technique can be used to validate the purity of a taggedsample.

FIG. 21 illustrates one set of painted panels with 0.05% taggants (1part in 2000) and 4 dilutions. In this example, the intensity of thespectra correlates with the dilutions even where the taggant is highlyand unevenly dispersed. This example illustrates the observed signals ona raster scan surface as the sample is diluted. In this example, thesample contains on 0.05% of the taggant and is very inhomogeneous.Raster scanning can average an area of the sample that is large enoughto accurately quantitate the dilution factors.

FIG. 22 shows an example implementation of a faceted

Although multiple embodiments of this invention have been describedabove with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the artcould make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of this invention. All directionalreferences (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward,rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise,and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aidthe reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not createlimitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of theinvention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, andthe like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediatemembers between a connection of elements and relative movement betweenelements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that twoelements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Itis intended that all matter contained in the above description or shownin the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative onlyand not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A spectrometer comprising: an excitation sourcefor providing an excitation signal; a detector for detecting aspectroscopy signal; and an optical system for directing an incidentbeam of the excitation signal toward a sample, receiving thespectroscopy signal from the sample, and providing the spectroscopysignal to the detector, wherein the optical system comprises: a focusinglens for focusing the incident beam from the excitation source; arotating mirror assembly including an angled mirror face surface, therotating mirror assembly disposed between the excitation source and thefocusing lens; and an actuator assembly adapted to control the rotatingmirror assembly to move a focused incident beam across a surface of thesample, wherein the actuator assembly comprises a rotary motor coupledto the rotating mirror assembly via a drive shaft of the rotary motorsand adapted to rotate the angled mirror face about an axis of the driveshaft of the rotary motor to redirect an incident beam of the excitationsignal through the focusing lens to a sample and receive a spectroscopysignal through the focusing lens and direct it towards the detector fordetection of at least one spectrum of the spectroscopy signal.
 2. Thespectrometer of claim 1 wherein the rotary motor is coupled to therotating mirror assembly via a drive shaft of the rotary motor.
 3. Thespectrometer of claim 2 wherein the rotating mirror assembly is coupledto the drive shaft of the rotary motor via a flexible mount.
 4. Thespectrometer of claim 3 wherein the flexible mount comprises at leastone spring.
 5. The spectrometer of claim 2 wherein rotating mirrorassembly is fixedly attached to the drive shaft of the rotary motor. 6.The spectrometer of claim 2 wherein the rotating mirror assembly iscoupled loosely coupled to the drive shaft of the rotary motorconfigured so that the rotating mirror assembly wobbles with respect tothe drive shaft when the drive shaft is turned in operation.
 7. Thespectrometer of claim 1 wherein the rotating mirror assembly comprises asingle angled mirror surface.
 8. The spectrometer of claim 1 wherein therotating mirror assembly comprises comprises a multi-faceted,multi-angled mirror assembly.
 9. The spectrometer of claim 1 wherein therotating mirror assembly comprises a focusing mirror.
 10. Thespectrometer of claim 1 wherein the spectrometer averages a plurality ofsignals received from the sample.
 11. The spectrometer of claim 1wherein the actuator assembly comprises a second rotary motor coupled toa second rotating mirror assembly, wherein the incident beam is directedfrom the rotating mirror assembly to the second rotating mirrorassembly.
 12. The spectrometer of claim 1 wherein a first magnet iscoupled to a drive shaft of the rotary motor or the rotating mirrorassembly and is adapted to align the drive shaft or the rotating mirrorassembly, respectively, to a fixed position by magnetically coupling toa fixed element of the spectrometer.
 13. The spectrometer of claim 12wherein the fixed element of the spectrometer comprises a second magnet.14. The spectrometer of claim 12 wherein the magnet comprises at leastone of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.
 15. The spectrometer ofclaim 1 wherein a first magnet is physically coupled to the spectrometeradjacent to the actuator assembly and is adapted to magnetically coupleto an element physically coupled to the drive shaft of the rotary motoror to the rotating mirror assembly and is adapted to align the mirrorface surface at a predetermined position.
 16. A method of moving afocused incident beam of a spectrometer across a surface of aspectroscopic sample, the method comprising: generating an incident beamof an excitation signal; directing the incident beam towards the samplevia an optical system of the spectrometer, the optical system comprisinga moveable mirror reflecting the incident beam to a lens; focusing theincident beam via the lens on a sample of the spectrometer; moving theincident beam across a surface of the sample by rotating a rotatingmirror assembly coupled to a drive shaft of a rotary motor by rotatingthe drive shaft about an axis of the drive shaft of the motor; receivinga spectroscopic signal from the sample via the focusing lens; directingthe spectroscopic signal received via the lens to a detector using themoveable mirror; and detecting the spectroscopic signal.
 17. The methodof claim 16 wherein the operation of detecting comprises averaging aplurality of spectroscopic signals received from the sample.
 18. Themethod of claim 16 wherein rotating mirror assembly comprises a singleangled mirror surface.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the operationof detecting comprises detecting a tag at the sample.
 20. The method ofclaim 16 wherein the operation of detecting comprises detecting aconcentration of a tag at the sample.
 21. A spectrometer comprising: anexcitation source for providing an excitation signal; a detector fordetecting a spectroscopy signal; an optical system for directing anincident beam of the excitation signal toward a sample, receiving thespectroscopy signal from the sample, and providing the spectroscopysignal to the detector, wherein the optical system comprises: a focusinglens for focusing the incident beam from the excitation source; amoveable mirror, the moveable mirror disposed between the excitationsource and the focusing lens; and an actuator assembly for controllingthe moveable mirror to move a focused incident beam across a surface ofthe sample, wherein the actuator assembly is adapted to rotate themoveable mirror via a drive shaft of a rotary motor to rotate a face ofthe moveable mirror about an axis of the rotary motor to redirect anincident beam of the excitation signal through the focusing lens to asample and receive a spectroscopy signal through the focusing lens anddirect it towards the detector for detection of at least one spectrum ofthe spectroscopy signal; and a magnetic positioning system comprising amagnet and a second element adapted to magnetically couple to themagnet, the magnetic positioning system configured to position themoveable mirror in a predetermined position by magnetically coupling atleast one magnet to a second element, wherein one of the magnet and thesecond element is physically coupled to the actuator assembly and theother one of the magnet and the second element is fixed to thespectrometer adjacent to the actuator assembly.
 22. The spectrometer ofclaim 21 wherein the second element comprises a second magnet.
 23. Thespectrometer of claim 21 wherein the actuator assembly comprises arotary motor having a drive shaft and the magnetic positioning system isadapted to turn the drive shaft to position the moveable mirror at thepredetermined position.
 24. The spectrometer of claim 23 wherein themagnetic positioning system is configured to directly or indirectly turnthe drive shaft to position the moveable mirror at the predeterminedposition.
 25. The spectrometer of claim 21 wherein the actuator assemblycomprises a flexible element on which the moveable mirror is mounted andthe magnetic positioning system is adapted to restrict movement of theflexible element to position the moveable mirror at the predeterminedposition.